So tired

[gilox]

Have had 7 weeks ofMTX 10 mg by injection, pain levels are much lowered, but I am so tired! Is there anything I can do to stop myself falling asleep as soon as I sit down? I have never known anything like this when on MTX in the past.(had been in remission for several months,then had a massive flare) Thankyou for reading .

[helixhelix]

Might it be the disease rather than the drug? I know you’ve had RA for a long time, and had long spells of remission, but perhaps it’s now getting more active?

Talk to GP also about checking Vit D and B12 levels perhaps?

[gilox in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks for the reply, had a blood test3weeks ago, was told something flagged, but had to wait for a call from the gp, that’s booked for tomorrow!? I do think you are right that it could be one of the vitamins,also had a very difficult few months, so that too could be something to do with it, (pretty sure that was the trigger for the latest flare). Many thanks for your reply, Gillian x

[Sockknitter]

Hi Gilox, I had similar situation and gp tested my b12. Result was that it was at the bottom edge of normal range. After discussion he agreed that I take supplements which did make a difference.

[LippyLu]

I take 2 Mucinex when I take the MTX and 1 the next morning. I find it helps a lot. The dextromethorphan works by competing with MTX in binding to the receptors that cause the neurotoxicity. I don’t know why so many doctors don’t know about this... they don’t keep up with the literature. See rheumnow.com/content/dsb-ma...

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Gillian. I wonder if it's not the MTX but the flare, fatigue due to disease activity. Even though you say the pain is less the MTX is still working on controlling you. Personally I’d give in to it as long (as long as it's the right time & place!) as your body is needing rest to help itself heal, that is how I look at it. Sleep is a great healer is my motto, learned from my Mum.

The other thing that crossed my mind, & this has happened to me, you're not anaemic are you? You'd need your GP to take a blood test to be sure but it's usually easily treatable with ferrous fumarate or similar. Sometimes folic acid is prescribed but you'll already be taking that so something other is needed, if you are anaemic.

Hope you get back to remission & soon. It's rotten when you've been controlled then a flare floors you. x

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Gillian. I wonder if it's not the MTX but the flare, fatigue due to disease activity. Even though you say the pain is less the MTX is still working on controlling you. Personally I’d give in to it as long as it's suitable to, your body is needing rest to help itself heal is how I look at it. My Mum always said sleep is a great healer, that's my excuse anyhow!

The other thing that crossed my mind, & this has happened to me, you're not anaemic are you? You'd need your GP to take a blood test to be sure but it's usually easily treatable with ferrous fumarate or similar. Sometimes folic acid is prescribed but you'll already be taking that so something other is needed if you are anaemic.

Hope you get back to remission & soon. It's rotten when you've been controlled then a flare floors you. x

[gilox in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you so much,will speak to Doc tomorrow, hopefully she will help.